To Kill a Mockingbird Group

Topic: In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Miss Maudie says "people in their right minds never take pride in their talents." What does she mean?

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nyeahmarie

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Miss Maudie says "people in their right minds never take pride in their talents." What does she mean?

2

Miss Maudie is commenting that people who are "good" or "normal" will not take excessive pride in their talents, that people should and will be humble about what they are good at.  She makes the remark in reference to Atticus' shooting abilities.  Jem and Scout never knew that Atticus was called "One-Shot Finch" or that Atticus has ever even picked up a gun.  It's because of his humility that this talent remains hidden; he never brags and Miss Maudie considers this a good quality to possess. 

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This is a good question for the discussion board.

Not taking credit for talent might be a southern thing. It's considered bad manners to brag about your own abilities and/or talents. For instance, Grandma might be the best apple pie baker in the county, and she might win blue ribbons at the fair every year. But every time she sets an apple pie down on the dinner table, she'll say something like, "It might not be fit to eat, but here's dessert." Some people might think of this as fishing for a compliment, but it's more a matter of good manners. Remember, pride is not a virtue but a deadly sin.

Another reason why you might not be too quick to take pride in your own talents is that they're apt to be unreliable. Atticus might be a good shot today, but tomorrow he might be off his aim and not be able to hit anything. Just as sure as you brag on yourself, you make yourself out to be a liar when you fail!

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